Where to Eat and Drink on Father’s Day 2026
There’s no ideal restaurant to celebrate Father’s Day. Your father figure could be a stereotypical steak-loving bloke, or a vegetarian. He could be a wine connoisseur or a guy who likes nothing better than to put away a pint and a parma at lunch. Whatever kind of dad you have, Father’s Day is uncomfortably close (Sunday September 6), which means it’s time to get booking.
We’ve assembled a diverse list of bookable restaurants. Stick to the top entries if you’re keen to splash out and make dad feel special. Look further down if you’re after a more relaxed, communal environment, such as a pizzeria, neighbourhood bistro or pub.
Restaurant
Bennelong
The Sydney Opera House, three courses and Dad – an elegant trio that Bennelong can help you with. Treat him with a long lunch or take him to the bar for elevated snacks and drinks with Harbour views.
Restaurant
Ormeggio at The Spit
A seat at this harbourside diner feels like you’re somewhere else, like Puglia in southern Italy. It’s putting on a five-course Father’s Day menu ($189), including kingfish crudo, housemade pasta, Wagyu beef cheek and more.
Restaurant
The Gidley
Treat dad to something grilled at this opulent CBD steakhouse. Start with oysters and caviar, follow up with steak (the burger is a great shout, too) and finish with a selection of desserts, or even cheese.
Restaurant
The Sanderson
This sumptuous CBD diner was designed with celebrations in mind. There are a range of surf and turf set menus that are sure to impress your dad, no matter what cuisine he typically goes for.
Restaurant
Bopp and Tone
Just in time for Father’s Day, this classy steakhouse is firing its Sunday lunches up. It’s elegant but not stuffy, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu powered by a woodfired grill. Also – it’s huge. Lots of room for your crew here.
Restaurant
Three Blue Ducks Rosebery
This all-day favourite is running specials from breakfast through to dinner. Find a classic Sunday roast, go for steaks cooked over fire or let the chef choose with a couple of set menu options.
Bar
Harbord Hotel
A trip to this seaside boozer gets Dad more than just a solid Father’s Day feed. Book lunch and the team is shouting dad a beer, plus a meat tray raffle ticket.
Restaurant
Shaffa
Inspired by the marketplaces of the Middle East, this grand spot is puts on weekend long lunches that are perfect for Father’s Day($79pp).
Restaurant
Spice Temple
This moody underground restaurant is one of the best places in town to try the cuisines of China’s Yunnan, Hunan and Jiangxi provinces. Book here.
Restaurant
Loulou
From breakfast right through to dinner, the Milsons Point bistro serves a menu of unapologetically French fare. Bring dad for classics like steak frites and confit duck leg, plus complimentary beer for your old man.
Restaurant
Rafi
Treat dad to the sprawling North Sydney diner's Westholme banquet menu ($125pp), which includes a 200g A5 Wagyu scotch fillet. Plus, get a complimentary Stone & Wood schooner with every booking.
Restaurant
Aria
Restaurant views don’t come anymore impressive than this. Take in sweeping vistas of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge accompanied by dad and a four-course menu featuring beef Wellington and yellowfin tuna.
Bar
The Old Fitzroy
This great-grandfather pub is a fitting spot for Father’s Day. Get a Sunday roast with live jazz, plus a complimentary beer for Dad. Book the bistro upstairs or take in some music by the fireplace.
Restaurant
Bella Brutta
Bella Brutta can do no wrong in the pizza department. We love it all, and we think Dad will too. Pace yourself, though – the team will ply you with bread, pickled octopus and snacks before the first pizza even hits the table.
Bar
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
Sydney’s original brewpub has been doing its thing since 1841. For Father’s Day, it’s serving up a shared Sunday Roast ($70) designed for two. Three cuts of meat, veggies, Yorkshire puddings and gravy.
Bar
The Woollahra Hotel
This boozer will make Dad’s trot to the local a little more special on Sunday. Experience the fresh kitchen on Dad’s big day, with a juicy steak and a pint. Nab your spot here.
Bar
Forrester’s
Nothing says “I love you, Dad” like a Yorkshire pudding as big as his face. This Surry Hills all-rounder serves one filled with the roast of the week along with all the trimmings. Book yours here.
Bar
Bucketty's Brewing Co
At this northern beaches brewery, making a booking is the hot tip if you’re coming with a crew. Dad will thank you for it – you certainly won’t find these beers in a bottle shop.
Restaurant
The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar
For something a bit special, treat Dad to lunch at this art deco brasserie. Enjoy à la carte standouts including bluefin tuna crudo, crumbed lamb chops and an aged Wagyu cheeseburger.
Bar
The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre
Dad will love this one – Sydney’s most photogenic brewpub also packs in an Australian-Chinese restaurant like the ones he’d take you to on those family road trips. Book here.
Bar
The Norfolk Hotel
This century-old boozer is shouting dad a schooner of his choice this Father’s Day. You can’t go wrong with a good pub feed and some dad stories over a beer. Plus, kids eat free with any adult meal purchase. Book here.
Restaurant
North Bondi Fish
This sun-soaked eatery is running the usual à la carte menu alongside specials including market oysters, garfish tacos, lobster sandwiches, lobster frites and dark chocolate mousse. Book here.
Bar
The Keg and Brew
Hit this Surry Hills boozer for charcoal-grilled scotch fillet, rump, sirloin and eye fillet cuts. Plus, you’ll get a jumbo prawn with any steak. Soak up some sun at the rooftop bar after lunch. Book here.
Restaurant
Cibaria
Get a share-style lunch in the trattoria or private dining spaces, with a menu of Italian favourites including beef battuta, wild boar ragu, polpette and tiramisu. $129pp. Book here.
Restaurant
Bathers’ Pavilion
Celebrate over a long lunch by the water with a three-course Father’s Day menu and Balmoral views. At $185 per person, this one’s a great option if you really want to spoil your dad.
Restaurant
Cafe Sydney
A ritzy institution on the Customs House rooftop. An appropriate focus on seafood works a treat, given the jaw-dropping views of the bay. Book ahead to nab window seats for Dad.
Restaurant
Flaminia
Flaminia delivers tastes of the Italian coastline, with harbour views and a dedicated crudo bar. Celebrate your dad with a four-course long lunch covering all the classics. $120pp.
